Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to fusion splicing machines.
Background Art
[0003] Patent Literature 1 describes a fusion splicing device. The fusion splicing device
includes a pair of V-groove bases on which a pair of optical fibers are placed, an
LED lamp arranged on each side of the pair of optical fibers, and a first television
camera and a second television camera for capturing the pair of optical fibers. The
LED lamp allows light to be incident on the optical fiber from the side of the optical
fiber. The light incident on the optical fiber from the side is emitted from the end
face of the optical fiber. The first television camera and the second television camera
capture the image of the end face of the optical fiber that emits the light.
[0004] Patent Literature 2 describes a connection device of the optical fiber. The connection
device connects a pair of photonic crystal fibers (PCFs) together. The connection
device includes two holding members that hold the two PCFs, respectively, and a first
driving unit that supports and moves each holding member. Further, the connection
device includes a mirror and a mirror driving member positioned between the two PCFs
and the cameras for capturing the image reflected on the mirror. In the connection
device, the light is irradiated from the side of the camera by vertical illumination.
The core of the end face can be observed in the state where the entire end face of
the PCF is illuminated by this light irradiation.
Citation List
Patent Literature
Summary of Invention
[0006] A fusion splicing machine according to the present disclosure includes: an optical
fiber holder holding an optical fiber in the state of allowing a tip end of the optical
fiber to protrude; a rotation mechanism arranged on the opposite side of the tip end
of the optical fiber holder and rotating the optical fiber holder around the axis
extending along the optical fiber; a bending portion bending the optical fiber; a
light source irradiating the optical fiber bent by the bending portion with light
from the side of the optical fiber; and a power supply unit supplying power to the
light source. The bending portion and the light source are arranged on any of the
tip end side of the optical fiber from the optical fiber holder, the optical fiber
holder, and the rotation mechanism.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress power of a light
source and sufficiently illuminate an end face of the optical fiber.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0008]
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a fusion splicing machine according
to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a side view schematically illustrating an optical fiber holder, a rotation
mechanism, and a clamp unit of the fusion splicing machine according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a first electrode and a second
electrode of the fusion splicing machine according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a side view schematically illustrating an optical fiber holder, a rotation
mechanism, and a clamp unit of a fusion splicing machine according to Modified Example
1.
FIG. 5 is a side view schematically illustrating an optical fiber holder, a rotation
mechanism, and a clamp unit of a fusion splicing machine according to Modified Example
2.
FIG. 6 is a side view schematically illustrating an optical fiber holder, a rotation
mechanism, and a clamp unit of a fusion splicing machine according to Modified Example
3.
FIG. 7 is a side view schematically illustrating an optical fiber holder, a rotation
mechanism, and a clamp unit of a fusion splicing machine according to Modified Example
4.
FIG. 8 is a side view schematically illustrating an optical fiber holder, a rotation
mechanism, and a clamp unit of a fusion splicing machine according to Modified Example
5.
FIG. 9 is a side view schematically illustrating an optical fiber holder, a rotation
mechanism, and a clamp unit of a fusion splicing machine according to Modified Example
6.
FIG. 10 is a side view schematically illustrating an optical fiber holder, a rotation
mechanism, and a clamp unit of a fusion splicing machine according to Modified Example
7.
FIG. 11 is a side view schematically illustrating an optical fiber holder, a rotation
mechanism, and a clamp unit of a fusion splicing machine according to Modified Example
8.
FIG. 12 is a side view schematically illustrating an optical fiber holder, a rotation
mechanism, and a clamp unit of a fusion splicing machine according to Modified Example
9.
FIG. 13 is a side view schematically illustrating an optical fiber holder, a rotation
mechanism, and a clamp unit of a fusion splicing machine according to Modified Example
10.
FIG. 14 is a side view schematically illustrating an optical fiber holder, a rotation
mechanism, and a clamp unit of a fusion splicing machine according to Modified Example
11.
Description of Embodiments
[0009] In some cases, in the method for illuminating the end face of the optical fiber by
irradiating the optical fiber with a light source such as the above-mentioned vertical
illumination, specifying core locations with high accuracy may be difficult. When
the end face of the optical fiber is illuminated as described above, the end face
of the optical fiber cannot be sufficiently illuminated unless the power of the light
source is increased.
[0010] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a fusion splicing machine capable
of suppressing power of a light source and sufficiently illuminating an end face of
an optical fiber.
[Description of Embodiments of Present Disclosure]
[0011] First, contents of embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.
A fusion splicing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes
an optical fiber holder holding the optical fiber in a state where a tip end of the
optical fiber is protruded, a rotation mechanism arranged on an opposite side of the
tip end of the optical fiber holder and for rotating the optical fiber holder around
an axis extending along the optical fiber, a bending portion bending the optical fiber,
a light source allowing light to be incident on the optical fiber bent by the bending
portion from the side of the optical fiber, and a power supply unit for supplying
power to the light source. The bending portion and the light source are arranged on
any of the tip end side of the optical fiber from the optical fiber holder, the optical
fiber holder, and the rotation mechanism.
[0012] In this fusion splicing machine, the optical fiber holder holds the optical fiber
with the tip end of the optical fiber protruding. The rotation mechanism for rotating
the optical fiber holder is arranged on the opposite side of the tip end of the optical
fiber holder. The fusion splicing machine includes the bending portion bending the
optical fiber and the light source allows light to be incident on the optical fiber
bent by the bending portion from the side of the optical fiber. By allowing the light
to be incident on the portion bending the optical fiber from the side of the optical
fiber, the end face of the tip end of the optical fiber can be illuminated. The bending
portion bending the optical fiber and the light source are arranged on any of the
tip end side of the optical fiber from the optical fiber holder, the optical fiber
holder, and the rotation mechanism. By arranging the bending portion and the light
source near the tip end of the optical fiber, the end face of the optical fiber can
be sufficiently illuminated even if the power of the light source is not strong. As
a result, the position of the core can be specified with high accuracy.
[0013] The fusion splicing machine described above may include a holder base on which the
optical fiber holder is mounted. The optical fiber holder may be removable with respect
to the holder base. The bending portion and the light source may be arranged on any
of the holder base and the optical fiber holder. In this case, the fusion splicing
machine has the holder base, and the optical fiber holder is removable from the holder
base. Since the optical fiber holder is detachable from the holder base, the optical
fiber can be easily attached to and detached from the rotation mechanism. The bending
portion and the light source are arranged on any of the holder base and the optical
fiber holder. Therefore, the optical fiber holder and the holder base can be effectively
used as the place where the bending portion and the light source are arranged. Since
any of the optical fiber holder and the holder base holds the bending portion and
the light source, there is no need to arrange another component holding the bending
portion and the light source, which contributes to miniaturization of the fusion splicing
machine.
[0014] The above-described fusion splicing machine includes a first electrode arranged on
the optical fiber holder and a second electrode arranged on the holder base. The light
source may receive power from the power supply unit by electrically connecting the
first electrode and the second electrode to each other when the optical fiber holder
is mounted on the holder base. The "power supply unit" refers to supplying power to
the light source, for example, indicating the portion of the fusion splicing machine
electrically connected to the light source. The "power supply unit" may be, for example,
a wiring portion of the fusion splicing machine connected to the power source (as
an example, the household power source, the outlet) when the fusion splicing machine
is driven by an AC power source (when the fusion splicing machine does not have a
battery). The "power supply unit" may be a wiring portion inside the fusion splicing
machine connected to the battery when the fusion splicing machine has the battery.
The fusion splicing machine may have its own battery connected to the power supply
unit that powers the light source. In the case of the above-described fusion splicing
machine, the first electrode is arranged on the optical fiber holder, and the second
electrode is arranged on the holder base. Therefore, the optical fiber holder and
the holder base can be effectively used as places for arranging the first electrode
and the second electrode.
[0015] The fusion splicing machine described above may include the power source positioned
in any of the optical fiber holder and the holder base. The light source may receive
power from the power source through the power supply unit. In this case, the optical
fiber holder and the holder base can be effectively used as the place for arranging
the power source.
[0016] The fusion splicing machine described above may include the clamp unit pressing the
tip end portion of the optical fiber held by the optical fiber holder. The bending
portion and the light source may be arranged in the clamp unit. In this case, the
bending portion and the light source are arranged in the clamp unit pressing the tip
end portion of the optical fiber. Therefore, the clamp unit can be effectively used
as the place for arranging the bending portion and the light source.
[Details of Embodiment of Present Disclosure]
[0017] Hereinafter, specific examples of the fusion splicing machine according to the present
disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the description
of the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference
numerals, and overlapping descriptions are omitted as appropriate. The drawings may
be simplified or exaggerated for easy understanding, and dimensional ratios and the
like are not limited to those described in the drawings.
[0018] First, the configuration of the fusion splicing machine according to this embodiment
will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram describing the outline
of the fusion splicing machine according to this embodiment. As illustrated in FIG.
1, a fusion splicing machine 1 fusion-splices a pair of optical fibers F to each other.
The fusion splicing machine 1 has an optical fiber holder 10 having a V-groove 11
and a rotation mechanism 20 rotating the optical fiber holder 10.
[0019] The fusion splicing machine 1 includes the pair of optical fiber holders 10 arranged
along the Z-axis direction in which the optical fibers F extend, and a pair of rotation
mechanisms 20 arranged along the Z-axis direction. The optical fiber F which is a
fusion-splicing target is positioned in the V-groove 11 of each optical fiber holder
10. The optical fiber holder 10 is made of, as an example, resin. The optical fiber
holder 10 holds, for example, the coated portion of the optical fiber F. The optical
fiber holder 10 holds a tip end F 1 of the optical fiber F in the state of protruding
in the Z-axis direction.
[0020] The pair of discharge electrodes 2 are arranged at positions where the tip ends F1
of the pair of optical fibers F face each other. The pair of discharge electrodes
2 are arranged at positions facing each other along the direction intersecting the
optical fiber F (for example, the X-axis direction). The optical fiber holder 10 has,
for example, a base 12 in which the V-groove 11 extending along the Z-axis direction
is formed and the optical fiber F is mounted, and a lid 13 mounted on the base 12.
The base 12 and the lid 13 are arranged, for example, along the Y-axis direction that
intersects both the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.
[0021] The pair of discharge electrodes 2 fusion-splice the tip ends F1 of the pair of optical
fibers F by discharge. For example, the fusion splicing machine 1 has a control unit
3 controlling each unit of the fusion splicing machine 1. By controlling the discharge
current and the discharge time of the discharge electrode 2 by the control unit 3,
the fusion-splicing is performed under the fusion-splicing conditions suitable for
the type of the optical fiber F. In the fusion splicing machine 1, position-alignment
of the pair of optical fibers F is performed by the control unit 3.
[0022] The control unit 3 adjusts the position of each optical fiber F in the X-axis direction
and the Y-axis direction, and aligns the axes of the pair of optical fibers F so that
the pair of optical fibers F are arranged in a straight line along the Z-axis direction.
That is, the control unit 3 performs alignment of the pair of optical fibers F in
the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction. The control
unit 3 controls the rotation mechanism 20 to rotate the optical fiber F around the
Z axis, so that alignment is performed in the θ direction.
[0023] The optical fiber F is, for example, an optical fiber that requires rotational alignment
in the fusion splicing machine 1. That is, the optical fiber F is an optical fiber
that needs to match the positions of the pair of optical fibers F in the θ direction.
For example, the optical fiber F is a multi core fiber (MCF) or a polarization maintaining
fiber (PMF).
[0024] FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating the optical fiber holder 10 and the rotation mechanism
20 of the fusion splicing machine 1. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the fusion splicing
machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes a clamp unit 30 pressing the
tip end F1 side portion of the optical fiber F held by the optical fiber holder 10.
Furthermore, the fusion splicing machine 1 includes a holder base 40 fixed to the
rotation mechanism 20, a bending portion 50 bending the optical fiber F, and a light
source 60.
[0025] The portion of the optical fiber F pressed by the clamp unit 30 is, for example,
the coated portion of the optical fiber F. In this case, only the portion of the optical
fiber F protruding from the clamp unit 30 is the portion from which the coating is
removed. However, the portion pressed by the clamp unit 30 may be the portion from
which the coating of the optical fiber F is removed (for example, the portion where
the glass of the optical fiber F is exposed). The length of the portion of the optical
fiber F protruding from the clamp unit 30 is, for example, 5 mm or less. In this case,
the force with which the clamp unit 30 presses the optical fiber F is the force with
this degree that does not hinder the rotation of the optical fiber F.
[0026] The holder base 40 is made of, for example, metal. The holder base 40 has a mounting
surface 41 on which the optical fiber holder 10 is mounted. For example, the optical
fiber holder 10 is detachable from the holder base 40. In this case, the optical fiber
F can be held in the optical fiber holder 10 removed from the holder base 40, and
the optical fiber holder 10 holding the optical fiber F can be mounted on the holder
base 40. Furthermore, the optical fiber holder can be replaced with the optical fiber
holder 10 having the appropriate V-groove 11 according to the diameter of the optical
fiber F (coating diameter or glass diameter).
[0027] The holder base 40 extends from the rotation mechanism 20 in the Z-axis direction.
The rotation mechanism 20 is arranged on the opposite side of the optical fiber holder
10 from the tip end F1. The rotation mechanism 20 has, for example, the recessed portion
(not illustrated) into which the optical fiber F is inserted. The recessed portion
has a slit shape recessed from an outer peripheral surface 20b of the rotation mechanism
20 along the Y-axis direction. The rotation mechanism 20 rotates, for example, the
optical fiber F together with the holder base 40 and the optical fiber holder 10 around
the axis extending along the center of the optical fiber F.
[0028] The rotation mechanism 20 includes, for example, a motor (not illustrated) and gears
(not illustrated). In this case, the motor of the rotation mechanism 20 is driven
and the rotational driving force of the motor is transmitted to the holder base 40
and the optical fiber holder 10 through the gears, so that the holder base 40 and
the optical fiber holder 10 are rotated. The optical fiber F is inserted into the
recessed portion of the rotation mechanism 20 and held by the optical fiber holder
10. Therefore, as the optical fiber holder 10 is rotated by the rotation mechanism
20, the optical fiber F is also rotated.
[0029] The clamp unit 30 is provided, for example, to stabilize the optical fiber F protruding
from the optical fiber holder 10. The clamp unit 30 includes, for example, a base
31 on which the optical fiber F is placed, and a lid 32 covering the optical fiber
F placed on the base 31. The clamp unit 30 holds the optical fiber F by interposing
the optical fiber F extending in the Z-axis direction from the optical fiber holder
10 between the base 31 and the lid 32.
[0030] The fusion splicing machine 1 includes the bending portion 50 bending the optical
fiber F and the light source 60 irradiating the optical fiber F bent by the bending
portion 50 with the light from the side of the optical fiber F (for example, in the
direction intersecting the Z-axis direction). In this embodiment, the bending portion
50 and the light source 60 are arranged in the clamp unit 30. The bending portion
50 presses, for example, the optical fiber F to bend the surface of the optical fiber
F. The bending portion 50 may be the portion where the optical fiber F itself is bent.
[0031] The light source 60 is a light source for observing the end face of the tip end F
1 of the optical fiber F. The light source 60 allows the light to be incident on the
optical fiber F bent by the bending portion 50 from the side (for example, in the
direction intersecting the Z-axis direction). The light from the light source 60 is
allowed to be incident on the bending portion of the optical fiber F from the side,
so that the core on the end face of the optical fiber F can be observed. As an example,
the light source 60 is an LED light source.
[0032] In this embodiment, the bending portion 50 and the light source 60 are arranged on
the base 31 of the clamp unit 30. For example, the fusion splicing machine 1 includes
a power source 61, and the light source 60 receives power from the power source 61
through the power supply unit and emits light. The power source 61 is, for example,
the battery arranged on the base 31. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the fusion splicing
machine 1 may include a first electrode 62 arranged on the lid 32 and a second electrode
63 arranged on the base 31. In this case, the light source 60 is electrically connected
to the first electrode 62 and the second electrode 63 when the lid 32 is placed on
the base 31, so that the light source 60 receives power from the power source at a
position other than the base 31 through the power supply unit, the first electrode
62, and the second electrode 63.
[0033] Next, the functions and effects obtained from the fusion splicing machine 1 according
to this embodiment will be described. In the fusion splicing machine 1, the optical
fiber holder 10 holds the optical fiber F in the state of allowing the tip end F1
of the optical fiber F to protrude. The rotation mechanism 20 rotating the optical
fiber holder 10 is arranged on the opposite side of the tip end F1 of the optical
fiber holder 10. The fusion splicing machine 1 includes the bending portion 50 bending
the optical fiber F, and the light source 60 that allows light to be incident on the
optical fiber F bent by the bending portion 50 from the side of the optical fiber
F. By allowing light to be incident on the bending portion of the optical fiber F
from the side of the optical fiber F, the end face (tip end F1) of the optical fiber
F can be illuminated. The bending portion 50 bending the optical fiber F and the light
source 60 are arranged closer to the tip end F 1 side of the optical fiber F than
the optical fiber holder 10. By arranging the bending portion 50 and the light source
60 near the tip end F 1 of the optical fiber F, the end face of the optical fiber
F can be sufficiently illuminated even if the power of the light source 60 is not
strong. As a result, the position of the core can be specified with high accuracy.
[0034] The fusion splicing machine 1 may include the holder base 40 on which the optical
fiber holder 10 is mounted. The optical fiber holder 10 may be detachable from the
holder base 40. In this case, the fusion splicing machine 1 has the holder base 40,
so that the optical fiber holder 10 can be removed from the holder base 40. Since
the optical fiber holder 10 is detachable from the holder base 40, the optical fiber
F can be easily attached to and detached from the rotation mechanism 20.
[0035] As described above, the fusion splicing machine 1 may include the clamp unit 30 pressing
the tip end F1 side portion of the optical fiber F held by the optical fiber holder
10. The bending portion 50 and the light source 60 may be arranged in the clamp unit
30. In this case, the bending portion 50 and the light source 60 are arranged in the
clamp unit 30 pressing the portion of the optical fiber F on the tip end F 1 side.
Therefore, the clamp unit 30 can be effectively used as the place for arranging the
bending portion 50 and the light source 60.
[0036] Next, various modifications of the fusion splicing machine according to the present
disclosure will be described. A portion of the configuration of the fusion splicing
machine of each Modified Example described later overlaps with the portion of the
configuration of the fusion splicing machine 1 described above. In the following description,
explanations that overlap with the configuration of the fusion splicing machine 1
described above will be omitted as appropriate by denoting the same reference numerals.
[0037] FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating a fusion splicing machine 1A according to Modified
Example 1. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the fusion splicing machine 1A differs from the
described-above fusion splicing machine 1 in terms of the arrangement positions of
the bending portion 50 and the light source 60. In Modified Example 1, the bending
portion 50 and the light source 60 are arranged on the lid 32 of the clamp unit 30.
The fusion splicing machine 1A includes the power source 61 supplying power to the
light source 60 through the power supply unit, and the power source 61 is arranged
on the lid 32.
[0038] As described above, the first electrode 62 and the second electrode 63 may be arranged,
and power may be supplied to the light source 60 from the power source positioned
at other than the position through the power supply unit, the first electrode 62,
and the second electrode 63. Also in the case of the fusion splicing machine 1A according
to the modified example, by arranging the bending portion 50 and the light source
60 near the tip end F1 of the optical fiber F, the end face of the optical fiber F
can be sufficiently illuminated even if the power of the light source 60 is not strong.
Therefore, the same effects as in the fusion splicing machine 1 can be obtained.
[0039] FIG. 5 is a side view illustrating a fusion splicing machine 1B according to Modified
Example 2. As illustrated in FIG. 5, in the fusion splicing machine 1B, the bending
portion 50, the light source 60, and the power source 61 are arranged on the base
12 of the optical fiber holder 10. The fusion splicing machine 1B may include the
first electrode 62 arranged on the optical fiber holder 10 and the second electrode
63 arranged on the holder base 40. In this case, when the optical fiber holder 10
is mounted on the holder base 40, the first electrode 62 and the second electrode
63 are in contact with each other, so that the light source 60 can receive power from
the power source positioned at other than the position through the power supply unit,
the first electrode 62, and the second electrode 63, and emits light. As another example,
the first electrode 62 may be arranged on the lid 13 of the optical fiber holder 10,
and the second electrode 63 may be arranged on the base 12 of the optical fiber holder
10. The bending portion 50 and the light source 60 may be arranged on the holder base
40.
[0040] As described above, also in the fusion splicing machine 1B according to Modified
Example 2, the bending portion 50 and the light source 60 are arranged at positions
close to the tip end F 1 of the optical fiber F. Therefore, effects similar to those
of the above-described examples can be obtained. In the fusion splicing machine 1B,
the bending portion 50 and the light source 60 are arranged on any of the holder base
40 and the optical fiber holder 10. Therefore, the optical fiber holder 10 and the
holder base 40 can be effectively used as the place where the bending portion 50 and
the light source 60 are arranged. Since any of the optical fiber holder 10 and the
holder base 40 holds the bending portion 50 and the light source 60, there is no need
to arrange another component holding the bending portion 50 and the light source 60.
Therefore, this configuration contributes to miniaturization of the fusion splicing
machine 1B.
[0041] The fusion splicing machine 1B may include the first electrode 62 arranged on the
optical fiber holder 10 and the second electrode 63 arranged on the holder base 40.
The light source 60 may receive power generated by allowing the first electrode 62
and the second electrode 63 to be in contact with each other when the optical fiber
holder 10 is mounted on the holder base 40. In this case, the first electrode 62 is
arranged on the optical fiber holder 10, and the second electrode 63 is arranged on
the holder base 40. Therefore, the optical fiber holder 10 and the holder base 40
can be effectively used as places for arranging the first electrode 62 and the second
electrode 63 that supply power to the light source 60.
[0042] The fusion splicing machine 1B may include the power source 61 arranged on either
the optical fiber holder 10 or the holder base 40. The light source 60 may receive
power from the power source 61. In this case, the optical fiber holder 10 and the
holder base 40 can be effectively used as the place for arranging the power source
61.
[0043] FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating a fusion splicing machine 1C according to Modified
Example 3. As illustrated in FIG. 6, in the fusion splicing machine 1C, the bending
portion 50, the light source 60, and the power source 61 are arranged on the lid 13
of the optical fiber holder 10. In the fusion splicing machine 1C as well, since the
bending portion 50 and the light source 60 are arranged near the tip end F1 of the
optical fiber F, the same effects as in the fusion splicing machine 1B can be obtained.
Also in Modified Example 3 and modified examples described later, power can be supplied
from the power source positioned at other than the position through the power supply
unit, the first electrode 62, and the second electrode 63. In the following description,
description and illustration of the first electrode 62 and the second electrode 63
are omitted as appropriate.
[0044] FIG. 7 is a side view illustrating a fusion splicing machine 1D according to Modified
Example 4. FIG. 8 is a side view illustrating a fusion splicing machine 1E according
to Modified Example 5. As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, in the fusion splicing machines
1D and 1E, the bending portion 50, the light source 60 and the power source 61 are
arranged in the rotation mechanism 20. The bending portion 50 is, for example, a clamping
mechanism embedded into the rotation mechanism 20. In the fusion splicing machine
1D, the bending portion 50 and the light source 60 are arranged at positions interposing
the optical fiber F. On the other hand, in the fusion splicing machine 1E, the bending
portion 50 and the light source 60 are arranged on the same side (upper side in FIG.
7) when viewed from the optical fiber F. In the fusion splicing machine 1D according
to Modified Example 4 and the fusion splicing machine 1E according to Modified Example
5, since the bending portion 50 and the light source 60 are arranged at the position
close to the tip end F1 of the optical fiber F, the same effects as that of each example
described above can be obtained.
[0045] FIG. 9 is a side view illustrating a fusion splicing machine 1F according to Modified
Example 6. The fusion splicing machine 1F differs from the above-described fusion
splicing machine 1 in terms of the configurations of the optical fiber holder 10 and
the clamp unit 30. The length of the base 12 of the optical fiber holder 10 in the
Z-axis direction is longer than the length of the lid 13 of the optical fiber holder
10 in the Z-axis direction. For example, the base 12 extends to the opposite side
of the rotation mechanism 20 beyond the lid 13. In this case, the base 12 has an exposed
portion 12b where a portion of the V-groove 11 is exposed on the side opposite to
the rotation mechanism 20. The optical fiber F placed on the V-groove 11 exposed to
the exposed portion 12b is pressed by the clamp unit 30.
[0046] The rotation mechanism 20 rotates, for example, the optical fiber F together with
the holder base 40, the optical fiber holder 10, and the clamp unit 30 around the
axis extending along the center of the optical fiber F. The clamp unit 30 includes,
for example, a fixing portion 33 fixed to the holder base 40 and a lid 34 placed on
the fixing portion 33. The fixing portion 33 is arranged so that the V-groove on which
the optical fiber F is placed is positioned on the extension of the V-groove 11 of
the base 12. The optical fiber F extending from the V-groove 11 along the Z-axis direction
is placed on the V-groove of the fixing portion 33.
[0047] In the fusion splicing machine 1F, the bending portion 50, the light source 60, and
the power source 61 are arranged on the fixing portion 33 of the clamp unit 30. In
the fusion splicing machine 1F as well, since the bending portion 50 and the light
source 60 are arranged at positions close to the tip end F1 of the optical fiber F,
the same effects as those of the above-described examples can be obtained. Furthermore,
in the fusion splicing machine 1F, the rotation mechanism 20 rotates the clamp unit
30 pressing the optical fiber F together with the optical fiber holder 10. Since the
clamp unit 30 pressing the optical fiber F rotates together with the optical fiber
holder 10 during rotation of the optical fiber F, the optical fiber F can be prevented
from being damaged during rotation.
[0048] FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating a fusion splicing machine 1G according to Modified
Example 7. In the fusion splicing machine 1G, the bending portion 50, the light source
60, and the power source 61 are arranged on the lid 34 of the clamp unit 30. Also
in the fusion splicing machine 1G, since the clamp unit 30 pressing the optical fiber
F rotates together with the optical fiber holder 10 during rotation of the optical
fiber F, the optical fiber F can be prevented from being damaged during rotation.
Therefore, the same effects as those of the fusion splicing machine 1F can be obtained.
[0049] FIG. 11 is a side view illustrating a fusion splicing machine 1H according to Modified
Example 8. FIG. 12 is a side view illustrating a fusion splicing machine 1J according
to Modified Example 9. As illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, in the fusion splicing machine
1H, the bending portion 50, the light source 60, and the power source 61 are arranged
on the base 12 of the optical fiber holder 10, and in the fusion splicing machine
1J, the bending portion 50, the light source 60, and the power source 61 are arranged
on the lid 13 of the optical fiber holder 10. Also in the fusion splicing machines
1H and 1J described above, since the clamp unit 30 pressing the optical fiber F rotates
together with the optical fiber holder 10, the optical fiber F can be prevented from
being damaged during rotation. Therefore, the same effects as those of the fusion
splicing machine 1F can be obtained.
[0050] FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating a fusion splicing machine 1K according to Modified
Example 10. FIG. 14 is a side view illustrating a fusion splicing machine 1L according
to Modified Example 11. As illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, in the fusion splicing
machines 1K and 1L, the bending portion 50, the light source 60, and the power source
61 are arranged in the rotation mechanism 20. In the fusion splicing machine 1K, the
bending portion 50 and the light source 60 are arranged at positions interposing the
optical fiber F, and in the fusion splicing machine 1L, the bending portion 50 and
the light source 60 are arranged on the same side as viewed from the optical fiber
F. In the above fusion splicing machines 1K and 1L as well, since the clamp unit 30
rotates together with the optical fiber holder 10, the optical fiber F can be prevented
from being damaged during rotation, and thus, the same effects as those of the fusion
splicing machine 1F can be obtained.
[0051] The embodiments and various modifications of the fusion splicing machine according
to the present disclosure have been described above. However, the invention is not
limited to the above-described embodiments or modifications. That is, it is easily
recognized by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be variously
modified and changed within the scope of the spirit described in the scope of the
claims. The configuration of each unit of the fusion splicing machine can be changed
as appropriate within the scope of the above spirit. The shape, size, number, material,
and arrangement of each unit of the fusion splicing machine according to the present
disclosure are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be changed
as appropriate.
[0052] For example, in the above-described embodiments, the example in which the optical
fiber holder 10 is detachable with respect to the holder base 40 has been described.
However, the optical fiber holder may not be detachable from the holder base. In addition,
the fusion splicing machine may not have the holder base 40. In this case, the fusion
splicing machine in which the optical fiber holder 10 is fixed to the rotation mechanism
20 may be used.
[0053] For example, in the above-described embodiment and various modifications, the example
where the bending portion 50 and the light source 60 are respectively arranged on
any of the tip end side of the optical fiber F from the optical fiber holder 10, the
optical fiber holder 10, and the rotation mechanism 20 is described. However, the
number of bending portions 50 and light sources 60 may be plural and is not particularly
limited.
Reference Signs List
[0054] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1J, 1K, 1L: fusion splicing machine, 2: discharge
electrode, 3: control unit, 10: optical fiber holder, 11: V-groove, 12: base 12b:
exposed portion, 13: lid, 20: rotation mechanism, 20b: peripheral surface, 30: clamp
unit, 31: base, 32: lid, 33: fixing portion, 34: lid, 40: holder base, 41: mounting
surface, 50: bending portion, 60: light source, 61: power source, 62: first electrode,
63: second electrode, F: optical fiber, F1: tip end.